Head and Neck Center

Head and neck cancer are all malignant tumors between the skull base and clavicles. These tumors and the effect of the treatment can affect vital functions such as breathing, swallowing and speech. All of this will influence the quality of life. The treatment of head and neck cancer in the Netherlands are done in specialized centers. Our head and neck center is the largest of the Netherlands. About 20% of all head and neck patients are treated in ErasmusMC.

Our Multidisciplinary Head and Neck TeamTo ensure that our patients receive the most comprehensive care, we have established a multidisciplinary team of head and neck surgeons, oral maxillo-facial surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, dentists, microvascular reconstructive surgeons, interventional radiologists, pathologists and dermatologists, who collaborate together with the mutual goal of determining and implementing the optimal treatment path which is "tailor made" for each patient. Our close cooperation results in our motto: "let the best (wo)man do the job".

Treatment of Head and Neck TumorsHead and Neck cancer can be treated with surgery or radiotherapy in combination with surgery or chemotherapy. The main goal of our surgeons is "first time right" surgery. The surgeons also offer minimal invasive approaches of all surgery in the head and neck area. Our radiation concologists have the expertise and experience on the latest radiotherapy techniques. In case of nasal cancer and lip cancer brachytherapy can be offered. With this modality a high dose of radiotion is given on the tumor site and the surrounding tissue is spared. We are the only center offering "single vocal cord radiotherapy" in case of cancer of the vocal cord. If stereotactic radiotherapy is needed, patients are treated with the Cyberknife. We have an unique hyperthermia collar with which we have very promising results in patients with recurrent tumors. The ErasmusMC/Holland Proton Therapy Center will be the first treatment center in the Netherlands to offer proton therapy. Dutch residents as well as patients from surrounding european countries and the world will have the access to this new cancer treatment option.Our team works to find the technique or combination of techniques that will offer you the greatest the highest chance for cure and chance of returning to normal life.

Palliative careA small number of the patient will get a non treatable recurrence. In 2004 the center for palliative care for head and neck patients was established. The care is mainly done by specalized nurses under supervision of a head and neck surgeon. We have 24/7 coverage to allow for post-treatment consultation with your general practioner or medical specialist.

Head and Neck Center Follow-up Care All head and neck patients are scheduled for several follow-up appointments that include a post-operative checkup and surveillance. In addition, we provide various support services, such as rehabilitation and speech therapy. In collaboration with (inter)national patient organisations, we ensure that each patient also receives proper follow-up and support system.

Why ErasmusMC?Erasmus Medical Center is the largest tertiary hospital in the Netherlands with the largest head and neck center. The team that works with you is made up of the brightest, most talented and most compassionate health care professionals in the country. Our treatment protocols have been validated and are regularly updated depending on new evidences, institutional experiences and through constant research. The head and neck team trains the next generation of physicians, nurses and other health care providers from with the region and the rest of the world through continuing education seminars, international courses and fellowships.The head and neck center is recognised by the NFU as one of the center for rare diseases in the Netherlands and is an active member of EURACAN (European Reference Network for rare cancers). Through the years we have established an intensive collaboration with other centers and patient organisations within Europe in terms of patient care and research. Our goal is to improve your quality of life by providing the highest quality treatment in a caring environment.Our city Rotterdam is a large city with inhabitants of 175 different nationalities. We are therefore familiar with patients with different languages and cultures. We are keen to welcome you at our team and in our beautiful city!